Ethics Committee Members - Community, Pastoral Carers & Carer/Counsellors

Do you have an interest in research and the impact it can have on the community? Would you like help the University of Newcastle ensure that research is conducted ethically and that the rights and well-being of research participants are protected?

The University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) is made up of both University-based academics and members representing a cross section of the community including community/consumer representatives, pastoral carers, lawyers, and professional counsellors/carers. We are currently seeking expressions of interest from people who would like to be part of the University’s HREC and who can bring either a community or consumer, pastoral care or professional carer/counsellor perspective, to the ethical review of human research.

As a member of the HREC, you will:

• review research proposals submitted for ethical approval;
• attend monthly committee meetings where research proposals are discussed;
• uphold the requirements of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research; and
• contribute to the development of University policies, procedures and guidelines to help support the ethical design and conduct of ethical human research.

Meeting Schedule

The HREC meets monthly, usually on the third Wednesday of each month (excluding January), commencing at 12.30 pm. Meetings are held at the University's Callaghan campus and via Zoom and typically run for 2–4 hours.

Who Should Apply?

We welcome expressions of interest from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Applicants should have excellent communication and collaboration abilities along with a genuine interest in promoting the ethical conduct of human research. Applicants are not required to have previous involvement in research.

Community or Consumer Representatives

Community or consumer representatives provide an independent perspective on behalf of the broader community. Individuals applying for this category must not have a current paid affiliation with the University.

Pastoral Carers

Pastoral carers are individuals who perform a pastoral care role within their community. This may include, but is not limited to:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Elders or community leaders;
• Chaplains;
• Ministers of religion; or
• Other recognised religious or spiritual leaders

Professional Carer/Counsellors

Professional carers or counsellors are individuals with knowledge of, and current experience in, the professional care, support or treatment of people. Examples include:

• Nurses;
• Counsellors;
• Psychologists;
• Social workers; and
• Allied health professionals.

These are volunteer positions. Members not affiliated with the University are reimbursed travel and any other costs associated with attending meetings and other HREC-related business. These members are also eligible to claim a small honorarium which is available to offset the costs associated with fulfilling their responsibilities as a member of the HREC.

When you apply to be considered for one of these roles on the University’s HREC, we will send you a further brief Expression of Interest form which will need to be returned, along with a brief Curriculum Vitae, to [email protected].

If you have any questions, please contact Ms Ruth Gibbins, Manager, Human Ethics, via [email protected].

Expressions of interest close on 19 July 2026.